Red Bull Unveils Ford-Inspired Austin Look; Fornaroli Joins McLaren's 2027 Hypercar Program

Red Bull is leaning heavily into its American partnership for the upcoming United States Grand Prix, while McLaren has mapped out a strategic path for its rising talent, Leonardo Fornaroli. As the 2026 season reaches its final quarter, both teams are utilizing branding and talent management to strengthen their competitive and commercial footprints.

Why it matters:

For Red Bull, the Austin makeover is more than a visual change; it is a calculated move to solidify the Ford partnership and deepen engagement with the US market. For McLaren, placing Fornaroli in the WEC Hypercar program prevents a talent plateau, keeping a double-junior champion sharp in high-stakes competitive racing while maintaining his readiness for a future F1 seat.

The Details:

• Red Bull's Austin Makeover:
  • Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar will wear Ford Raptor-inspired racing suits developed in collaboration with Castore.
  • The team's garage will undergo a full Ford Raptor transformation, and Verstappen's helmet will feature a cowboy hat graphic integrated with his signature lion motif.
  • Fan engagement events, including "Race Nights" and simulator experiences, are scheduled from October 21 to 25.
• Fornaroli's 2027 Roadmap:
  • Leonardo Fornaroli, champion of F3 (2024) and F2 (2025), will join McLaren's Hypercar program for the 2027 WEC season.
  • He will compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans while continuing his duties as McLaren's Formula 1 reserve driver.
  • This transition follows a 2026 season primarily focused on simulation work, testing, and limited FP1 appearances.

What's next:

The immediate focus shifts to the Circuit of the Americas, where Red Bull aims to translate its visual energy into a victory. Meanwhile, Fornaroli begins the transition from a development-centric role to the endurance demands of Hypercar racing, ensuring he remains a viable asset for McLaren’s long-term F1 strategy.